Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 (KJV).

REFLECT:
The act of endurance does not come easy. It takes one to be brave enough to stand in the face of adversity.

Living in a world where situations are so intense, the kind of situation that the Bible describes to us in Luke 21:26 “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” From all indications, our world is on the verge of these kinds of happenings.

As a result of the intensity, we face in the world around us, a lot of people are losing hope. Normally, there are certain things many of us would vouch not to get involved in because it goes against our moral standards or ethics, but because of the situation we find ourselves in and the pressure to survive we cave into the demands of the world’s systems.

Nonetheless, even though there is always a valid reason for doing something be it good or bad as human beings God has given us choice and free will to use as a tool for discretion. Moreover, the free will God has given is a powerful tool to help us to stand resolute in the face of adversity, that is if we know how to direct it through the proper channels.

Our Bible verse for today —–James 1:12—- encourages us on how to stand right even in the face of adversity. This Bible verse provides us with the tool for courage so that we can live the way God has called us to live according to His righteous purpose for our lives.

This particular tool God gives us is the tool of endurance. Most people may think endurance is a waste of time and may not produce as many results as we possibly need. This is so far from the truth. Such perceptions and misconceptions are the product of the lack of the right kind of knowledge.

Endurance with the right kind of purpose pays off. That is the purpose that has God at the center of its intentions. With God being the focal point, with the word and the Spirit of God as the driving force, then there is bound to be a productive reward. Why? Because faith in the word of God must produce results.

However, we must be willing to endure and stand firm in the face of trials and temptations. While in such a situation, because they will come, we must be willing to give ourselves over to God to lead us, obey, and hold on to His words of promise. We must trust that He will always take us through and bring us safely to the other side victorious.

Psalms 23 is a wonderful testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness in this regard. The amazing thing is that God will always come through for us no matter how long the process takes, all we have to do is to tap into God’s divine power and grace for endurance.

When we find ourselves in the throes of adversity, it is not the time to give up. Rather we should plug ourselves into God and receive grace and help to endure to the end.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer to Endure Trials.

FATHER GOD, You promise to bless those who remain faithful to You in trials. Thank You for seeing my pain and hardship and not allowing it to go unnoticed. Thank You for promising to reward my perseverance one day. When I face hard times, help me to grow into the person You have called me to be. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.